Voices in the #Fight4Homeless

They're signing because...

Their comments resonate with compassion, frustration, idealism and moral indignation.

From Canoga Park to Coronado, Santa Fe Springs to San Francisco, Long Beach to Lompoc, more than 11,000 people throughout Los Angeles County and the state have so far signed a petition urging Gov. Jerry Brown to declare homelessness in California a state of emergency. The Board of Supervisors has unanimously called for such a declaration.

Supporters’ reasons for signing the petition are as varied as California itself. To scroll through the hundreds of comments posted is to encounter those who are currently or formerly homeless, or desperately worried about loved ones living without a roof over their heads. Some say they’re frightened, heartbroken, moved to action or overwhelmed by what they see around them in their communities. Some invoke the better angels of our nature; others say enough is enough.

Here are some voices in the conversation. Some of the comments have been condensed.

"I'm signing this because I am my brother's keeper."Ricardo Hernandez, West Covina, CA

"I'm signing this because WE ARE THE CHANGE."Ruby Roxana Escobar, Los Angeles, CA

"I feel like I take my life in my hands every time I walk down the street in Hollywood. There are too many mentally ill homeless here…I have a young child, and I hate having her exposed to this."Lynne Felderman, Hollywood, CA

"This is disgraceful that we can’t do better. We are smarter and kinder than this."Kathryn Proctor, Encino, CA